The mobile retail space is heating up fast, as LBS apps prove perfect for connecting retail brands with consumers when it matters most. We covered Shopkick yesterday, a new startup using an innovative approach to location for retail check-ins and rewards, and today, we got wind of another brand new startup aiming to take things to the next level as well.
Still in stealth-mode until September, “CheckPoints” will debut with numerous retail partnerships and shiny new iPhone and Android apps that allow consumers to use their smartphones to discover featured brands and deals in retail locations across the country. How it differs, is that consumers accrue points simply by checking in or scanning product-barcodes, and can cash in their earnings at the CheckPoints Rewards Store for exclusive offers like gift cards and airline miles. CheckPoints are being developed as a “universal mobile currency,” meaning that points accrued at specific businesses are not limited to redemption in that outlet.
“CheckPoints enables consumers to earn real rewards and learn about exciting new products, simply by doing what they do every day – going to retail stores and checking things out,” said Mark DiPaola, co-founder and CEO of Checkpoints. “And for advertisers, CheckPoints provides quantifiable audience/product engagement at the place where it matters most – the point of purchase.”
The company announced yesterday that it’s closed a $1 million Founder Series A financing round from co-founders Mark and Todd DiPaola themselves, who created performance marketing agency Vantage Media in 2002 and sold the company (valued at more than $150 million) in 2007.
“The explosive rate of smartphone adoption and the mainstreaming of location-based check-in services provides an incredible opportunity for CheckPoints, everyday shoppers and any consumer brand that seeks to attract customers, increase loyalty and boost their bottom line,” continued DiPaola.
